Setting the Scene

Transforming the Lakefront into a Big Ten Gridiron

Big Ten football doesn't take an off-season. So when Northwestern University needed a temporary home for its football team while a new permanent stadium was being built, university leaders looked to the stunning shoreline of Lake Michigan, and wanted a venue complete with LED lighting, entertainment, and videoboard systems.

But there was a problem. With just 75 days until Northwestern’s first game, they faced the massive logistical challenge of turning a scenic lakefront spot into a fully-functional, high-energy Big Ten stadium. Additionally, the area’s unique geography created unprecedented sightline hurdles, as the majority of seats would be located in the north and south end zones and at risk of having their views of the videoboards blocked if standard placement of the boards was used.

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Making an Impact

Innovative Engineering Meets Rapid Deployment

Musco answered the call with the installation of a TLC for LED® system; Show-Light® Pro Venue entertainment technology; and custom-engineered, dual-display LED Videoboard System.

To overcome the challenge of providing fans with the best possible views of the videoboards from the north and south end zones, the Team installed:

• A dynamic LED videoboard system featuring two main screens — each spanning 40 feet wide —angled precisely to maximize visibility from the end zones.
• Two 195-foot LED ribbon boards, integrating crisp, high-resolution visuals throughout the temporary venue.

Thanks to Musco’s experience and project management expertise, the lighting and videoboard systems were installed and completed within Northwestern’s accelerated timeline. And to enhance the fan experience even further, a fleet of MuscoMAX™ Mobile LED Video Trailers were stationed outside the temporary stadium to transform and energize the tailgating lots.